Dacarbazine is a medicine used to treat melanoma (a type of skin cancer) that has spread to other parts of the body. Dacarbazine is also used in combination with other medications to treat Hodgkin's disease. Dacarbazine is administered intravenously (through a vein in your arm).

What should I know when beginning and continuing on this medication?

How does this medication work?

Dacarbazine is thought to work by inhibiting the growth of cancer cells.

What are the beneficial effects of this medication and when should I begin to have results?

What: By inhibiting the growth of cancer cells, dacarbazine may help to improve your condition.

Your healthcare provider may order tests regularly to check how well this medication is working.

What are the possible side effects of this medication?

The following is not a full list of side effects. Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your healthcare provider as soon as possible. Only your healthcare provider can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this medication.

Dacarbazine can cause low red blood cell, white blood cell, and platelet counts. Dacarbazine should be given under specific circumstances by a healthcare provider.

Dacarbazine may also cause severe liver problems and may increase your risk of developing other cancers.

Dacarbazine may cause harm to your unborn baby if received during pregnancy. Tell your healthcare provider immediately if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

More common side effects may include: nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite.

Less common side effects may include:

Serious and life threatening allergic reactions and skin reactions with symptoms such as hives, fever, chills, rash, itching, difficulty breathing, or swelling of your face, mouth, or throat.

Injection-site pain with symptoms such as pain, burning, or irritation.

Who should not take this medication?

Your healthcare provider will not administer dacarbazine to you if you are allergic to it or any of its ingredients.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before I take the first dose of this medication?

Tell your healthcare provider about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with dacarbazine. Also, talk to your healthcare provider about your complete medical history, especially if you have kidney or liver problems, or if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

What is the usual dosage?

The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your healthcare provider uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your healthcare provider may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your healthcare provider's approval.

Adults: Your healthcare provider will prescribe the appropriate dose for you, based on your condition and body weight.

How should I take this medication?

Your healthcare provider will administer dacarbazine to you.

What should I avoid while taking this medication?

Do not miss any scheduled follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider.

What are the possible food and drug interactions associated with this medication?

No significant interactions have been reported with dacarbazine at this time. However, always tell your healthcare provider about any medicines you take, including over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

May I receive this medication if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

The effects of dacarbazine during pregnancy and breastfeeding are unknown. Do not breastfeed while you are receiving dacarbazine. Tell your healthcare provider immediately if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

What should I do if I miss a dose of this medication?

Dacarbazine should be given under special circumstances determined by your healthcare provider. If you miss your scheduled dose, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist for advice.

How should I store this medication?

Your healthcare provider will store this medication for you.

Who should I contact in case of emergency or overdose?

In the event of a medical emergency call your doctor or 9-1-1 immediately. In the event of overdose, call your doctor or poison control for further instructions.
National Poison Control#: Call 1-800-222-1222

This PDR+ drug information has been developed by the Physicians’ Desk Reference Network (PDRN), a source of medication information trusted by doctors for over 65 years.

This monograph summarizes the most important information about your
medication and does not cover all the information you may need. If you
have any questions or concerns or want to learn more about your
medication, ask your healthcare provider; he/she will be able to provide
answers to your questions. This medication should only be used by the
patient for whom it was prescribed and should not be shared with other
people.

Additional patient resources.

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